Popping acne spots is a trend that is setting social media ablaze. But popping a pimple can leave marks and encourage the proliferation of bacteria on the skin. So how to get rid of pimples?
Written on 04/30/2024
The Health Mag – France 5
It’s called the “PimplePopping” challenge. The trend of popping your acne spots full of pus in front of the camera is a hit on the social network TikTok, which has over 78 billion views for videos bearing the hashtag “Pimple”, which means pimple.
If this technique generates a form of satisfaction in some people, it can also be disgusting. And rightly so, since you should never actually pierce a pimple.
Infections, spots, scars…
And three reasons justify this rule. The first is that even if you wash your hands before picking at your pimples, bacteria remains under your nails. They will settle in the pimple area and you risk multiplying pimples and infections.
The second reason is that when you pop a pimple, you add inflammation and this leads to abnormal production of melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. So you may end up with a blemish on your face once the pimple is gone.
Finally, the third reason is that when you pop a pimple, you force the skin to break and cut, which can create a scar.
So don’t touch it and the body will eliminate the pimple naturally after several days, or at worst a few weeks for the largest pimples.
Use patches to stick
Rather than piercing the buttons, opt for other solutions. For example, there are patches to stick on pimples, like stickers. Even stars have succumbed to it, like Justin Bieber, the Canadian singer, who appeared a few years ago with anti-pimple patches on his face.
There are completely transparent ones. Just stick them on the pimple and wait, with the promise that these stickers will make the pimple disappear faster. The advantage according to dermatologists is that these patches prevent you from touching your pimple and adding bacteria to it.
Anti-blister dressings or toothpaste, a good idea?
Other solutions are often considered, such as anti-blister dressings. Be careful, this is a bad idea since these dressings contain hydrocolloids, molecules that maintain humidity. However, the latter is the preferred environment for bacteria so this could make the situation worse.
Beware of all the famous grandmother’s remedies, such as applying toothpaste on the pimple or spraying your face with hydrogen peroxide. The latter is used to clean and treat small wounds but is also used in the composition of many household products. Dermatologists advise against this type of practice because hydrogen peroxide is very stripping, very aggressive and in the long term, it even poses a risk of depigmentation, by bleaching the skin and hair in the treated area.
Anti-inflammatory creams or fruit acids
Finally, you can find small tubes of cream in stores and pharmacies to apply to spots. Most often, these creams contain anti-inflammatory ingredients. The goal is to make the pimple look less red and deflate more quickly.
You can also find fruit acids which will have the effect of accelerating skin renewal. In short, they will help bring the pimple to the surface to make it disappear more quickly. But know that the miracle solution does not exist. These cosmetic solutions can help you if you have a pimple from time to time, but if you have them regularly, and in large quantities, it is best to consult a dermatologist.
